Religious Community Services (RCS Pinellas) is pleased to announce the appointment of Melinda Perry as Chief Operation Officer. Melinda will have oversight of RCS’s programs and will work with the directors and executive directors to provide leadership and support for day to day operations; ensuring RCS continues to provide help and hope.
Melinda Perry brings a decade of housing industry experience and seven years of executive level leadership to RCS. Throughout her career, she has held various positions, starting from the ground up, which has given her keen insight into how an organization works. Her areas of expertise include operations management, process improvement, and strategic planning and communication. Previously serving as the Chief Operating Officer for a housing authority, she was in charge of the housing authority’s daily operations, ensuring that its programs and services maintained the “High Performer” rating from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. A licensed real estate agent, Perry also worked to identity properties for the agency to acquire in order to create more affordable housing options in and around the city of St. Petersburg. During her tenure, the agency’s affordable housing portfolio increased by more than two hundred units, with plans for additional units in process. She graduated cum laude from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree in Telecommunications.
“As we are beginning to chart and embark upon new and exciting territory, it’s critical we source and engage leaders who believe not only in our mission and obligation to provide help and hope, but also those who believe in innovation, growth and the power of collective impact,” says Kirk Smith, President and CEO. “I couldn’t be more excited about Melinda joining our senior executive team as COO. I’m confident her operational prowess, analytical ability, and strategic planning savvy will have an immediate impact on our organization. I believe her passion for others and commitment to excellence are her greatest assets.”
RCS has provided Help & Hope to People in Need for 50 years. RCS’s mission is to feed the hungry, help families facing homelessness return to self-sufficiency, and empower survivors of domestic violence. Individuals and families are served with dignity to accomplish this mission at the RCS Food Bank, the RCS Grace House, The Haven of RCS, and the RCS Thrift Store.